No one wants to reach retirement age only to discover they lack sufficient funds for the comfortable lifestyle they envisioned.
As I covered here recently, the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) estimates that Australians require approximately $600,000 for a comfortable retirement at present. This figure is only likely to increase in the future due to inflation.
The good news is that anything less than a comfortable retirement doesn't have to be your reality. By planning ahead and investing wisely in ASX shares, you can set yourself up for a fulfilling retirement.
Here's how I would aim to turn this dream into reality.
The earlier the better
Time is an investor's greatest ally. The longer you allow compounding to work for you, the less capital you ultimately need to invest in ASX shares.
For example, with a 30-year investment horizon, putting $500 a month into the share market could grow your portfolio to a substantial $1 million, assuming an average annual return of 10%. While future returns are never guaranteed, this level of return aligns with historical averages, making it a fair target I think.
Now, consider an alternate reality where you only had 10 years to invest before your retirement. In that case, starting from zero, you would need to invest $5,000 a month to reach $1 million, again assuming an average annual return of 10%.
I would start my investment journey as soon as possible to take full advantage of the power of compounding.
Buy the best
If you aim for a comfortable retirement (or better), consider focusing on high-quality ASX shares for a well-balanced portfolio.
I would look for companies with strong business models, experienced management teams, sustainable competitive advantages, and positive long-term growth prospects.
These are the same qualities that Warren Buffett seeks when making his investments for Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B). Given that he has consistently outperformed the market since the 1960s, it's clear that his investment strategy is both proven and effective.
Stick to the plan
The hardest part in a long term plan is sticking with it.
Especially through all the different market conditions you will experience over time. It takes a lot of discipline and also courage to keep investing through the inevitable bear markets that will emerge from time to time.
But stick with it because it sure will be worth it in the end when you're living it up in retirement.
